Listening to the Spirit
The Spirit of Native Americans has many voices.
We hear it in the cry of the eagle, the song of the wolf and the words
from the hearts of the People of all Nations.
Come with me and Listen to the Spirit.
The story of the first people of this land has been told many times and in many ways. We learn something from every story but we need to believe that the ending has not been written on the pages of a book. The story of our People is in our hands and we all must listen to the Spirit that speaks softly to our hearts and gives us the truth of where we came from and where we are going. I share with you here the things that have touched my heart and stirred my Spirit.
About Jade.
My Native American heritage is distant in my lineage but not from my heart. My family cherished the stories that were passed down from generation to generation and I was fortunate to be taught to have pride in the ways of our Ancestors. Along with the pride I feel in having "red" blood, I also feel the pangs of shame for the sins of the "white" race. We cannot undo the wrongs of the past, nor should we carry bitterness in our hearts against our white brothers and sisters who share this land. Many of us are carrying blood from both races and it is useless to argue who fits where. Only those who have walked the Red Road all their lives can claim to know the pain of those steps. I did not march in the Trail of Tears but some of my bloodlines did, and for them, I will hold to my pride in their walk. Each of us is accountable for what we have chosen to do with our lives and not for the wrongs done by our past generations. I believe a time of healing has come and every drop of red blood that flows through the millions of people who share any Native American ancestry will unite and form a river that will wash away the prejudices, lies and wrongs of the past so that we might all share in the future when the Circle of Life is once again completed.
On February 3, 1999, Jade left us to join our Ancestors who sit around the campfire of the Great Spirit. Her work will continue as new voices join with hers to share the message she carried in her heart. You will never be forgotten, my dear friend. Help us to listen more carefully to the Spirit Voices you heard and now have joined.
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In Memory of
Jade
One Year After Her Passing
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